Navigating the information pathway to carbon capture and storage acceptance: Patterns and insights from a literature review

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is recognized as a critical technology for reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere and combating global warming. Public perceptions play a crucial role in shaping the successful deployment of CCS, as individuals hold varying opinions toward implementing novel energy technologies and associated infrastructure. However, compared to established energy systems such as wind power, people's knowledge about CCS remains generally limited. Consequently, a large body of CCS acceptance papers analyze the effects of information on public attitudes and acceptance toward this low-carbon energy solution. Based on 23 identified articles, we conduct a systematic review encompassing the type of study, information provided (baseline and experimental information), information content, the studies' experimental design, information source (written or other), and the effect of information on individuals' perception of CCS. Seven studies find negative information effects, while twelve find positive effects. Information about climate change and natural carbon dioxide fluxes emerge as key drivers for positive CCS information effects. Moreover, we find mixed results regarding the impact of risk information on public attitudes toward CCS across the reviewed studies. Informing about existing CCS projects tends to stimulate public acceptance while providing details on monitoring and safety procedures seems to reduce CCS acceptance. However, only eight of the 23 studies apply a randomized controlled trial design, reducing the causal interpretation of the estimated information effects. Additionally, the focus of the reviewed studies primarily centers on immediate information effects, neglecting the influence of information on long-term attitude development. Furthermore, most studies do not account for possible impacts of information-related factors, e.g., communication mode, framing, and scope. Discussing these limitations underscores the potential of further research to disentangle and explore the multifaceted effects of information provision on public CCS acceptance. Such insights can guide policymakers in developing effective communication strategies for novel low-carbon energy technologies.